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Airport Parking for Blue Badge Holders – A Guide to Holiday Parking for Disabled People
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Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
February 17, 2025
As summer approaches we thought it might be beneficial for our members to put a guide together on how to use your Blue Badge at UK airports.
Navigating airport parking can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. While the Blue Badge scheme offers certain privileges, its application varies across UK airports. By planning ahead and familiarising yourself with the specific facilities and services offered at your departure airport, you can ensure a smoother and more accessible travel experience.
Purpl accepts no responsibility for the content of third-party websites and cannot guarantee that all these services mentioned may be able to help. Please note that situations and funding change from time to time. Purpl offer this information to be helpful and in good faith.
Here’s our Purpl guide to help you understand what parking options and services are available for disabled people at major UK airports.
Blue Badge Parking at Airports Questions
- Is Disabled Parking Free at UK Airports?
- How Much is Disabled Parking at UK Airports?
- Do I Need to Pre-Book Disabled Parking at the Airport?
- Where are the Blue Badge Parking Spaces Located?
- Can I Leave My Car in a Blue Badge Space for Long-Term Parking?
- Are There Discounts for Blue Badge Holders in Airport Parking?
- How Do I Apply for an Accessible Parking Space at the Airport?
- What are the Time Limits for Disabled Parking Spaces at UK Airports?
- Can Someone Else Use My Blue Badge to Park on my Behalf?
- Is There a Designated Drop-Off Area for Disabled Passengers at UK Airports?
- How Long can I Stay in the Drop-Off Zone with a Blue Badge?
- Are There Assistance Services Available for Drop-Off and Pick-Up?
- Are Blue Badge Holders Exempt from Drop-Off Charges?
- Do Shuttle Buses from Car Parks Accommodate Wheelchair Users?
- Are There Assistance Points Near Disabled Parking Bays?
- How Can I Arrange for Special Assistance when Arriving at the Airport?
Major Airports and Blue Badge Parking
We put details further down in this article for disabled parking at each of the following UK airports, just click on the airport to see the correct information.
- Heathrow
- Stansted Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Luton Airport
- Manchester Airport
- Belfast Airport
- Cardiff Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Birmingham Airport
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Questions about Airport Parking for Disabled People
Below are a lot of questions that we have been asked about airport parking for disabled people and blue badge holders, though we have tried to answer them, it is important to check the rules of the airport you are travelling from and their regulations. There is specific information for certain airports further down this article, or click on the airport names in the list above.
Is Disabled Parking Free at UK Airports?
No, not all UK airports offer free parking for Blue Badge holders. Some provide discounted or free short-term parking, but long-stay parking usually incurs a fee. Always check the airport’s website for exact policies.
How much is Disabled Parking at UK Airports?
Prices vary, but long-stay parking for Blue Badge holders typically costs £10-£50 per day, depending on the airport and duration.
Do I Need to Pre-Book Disabled Parking at the Airport?
It depends on the airport. While most UK airports allow on-the-spot disabled parking, some require pre-booking (especially for long-stay car parks). Booking in advance can also secure discounts.
Where are the Blue Badge Parking Spaces Located?
Blue Badge spaces are usually located close to terminal entrances or in short-stay car parks. At some airports, they are also available in long-stay car parks with shuttle services.
Can I Leave my car in a Blue Badge Space for Long-Term Parking?
Yes, most airports allow long-term parking for Blue Badge holders, but it is subject to standard long-stay parking fees unless stated otherwise.
Are there Discounts for Blue Badge Holders in Airport Parking?
Yes, some airports provide discounts or free short-term parking for Blue Badge holders. Others may offer reduced rates for long-stay car parks.
How do I Apply for an Accessible Parking Space at the Airport?
You usually don’t need to apply in advance for accessible spaces, but you should check the airport’s website or call ahead for specific instructions on reserving spaces.
What are the Time Limits for Disabled Parking Spaces at UK Airports?
Time limits vary by airport. Short-stay Blue Badge spaces often have limits (e.g., 30 mins free), but long-stay spaces follow regular parking rules.
Can Someone Else use my Blue Badge to Park on my Behalf?
No. The Blue Badge is only valid when the badge holder is present in the vehicle, either as a driver or passenger.
Is there a Designated Drop-Off Area for Disabled Passengers at UK Airports?
Yes. Most UK airports have dedicated accessible drop-off points near terminal entrances.
How Long can I Stay in the Drop-Off Zone with a Blue Badge?
Drop-off time limits vary by airport. Some allow 15-30 minutes free, while others impose charges immediately upon entry.
Are there Assistance Services Available for Drop-Off and Pick-Up?
Yes, special assistance services are available at all major UK airports. You can request wheelchair assistance or staff support.
Are Blue Badge Holders Exempt from Drop-Off Charges?
Some airports, like Heathrow and Gatwick, provide discounted or free drop-off options for disabled passengers. Pre-registration may be required.
Do Shuttle Buses from Car Parks Accommodate Wheelchair Users?
Yes, most long-stay car parks provide accessible shuttle buses with wheelchair access.
Are there Assistance Points near Disabled Parking Bays?
Yes, most airports have help points or call buttons near Blue Badge spaces.
How can I Arrange for Special Assistance when Arriving at the Airport?
You should pre-book special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight via your airline or the airport’s website.
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Disabled Parking Facilities at Major UK Airport
Heathrow Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in all car parks, situated close to terminal access routes.
- Assistance: Help points are located near these spaces to arrange free assistance.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders receive two hours of free parking in the Park & Ride car parks.
- Contact: For more information, call 020 8757 2700.
Stansted Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in Short Stay, Mid Stay, and Long Stay car parks.
- Assistance: Help points are present to request assistance.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders can park in the Express Set Down area for £7 for 15 minutes; however, vehicles cannot be left unattended.
- Contact: For assistance, call 0808 169 7031.
Gatwick Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in both North and South Terminal car parks, near shuttle bus stops.
- Premium Parking: Discounted premium Blue Badge parking offers same-level access to the terminals.
- Assistance: Help points are located nearby, and valet parking services are available.
- Fees: No free disabled parking, but discounts are available for stays under four hours.
- Contact: For more information, call 0344 892 0322.
Luton Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are recommended in Terminal Car Park 1.
- Assistance: Help points are available, and assistance can be arranged.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders receive 30 minutes of free parking and reduced rates for longer stays.
- Contact: For assistance, call 01582 405100.
Manchester Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in multi-storey car parks adjacent to all terminals and in JetParks car parks.
- Assistance: Free, fully accessible shuttle buses operate from JetParks to the terminals.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders can use the arrivals car park for free drop-offs by showing their badge.
- Contact: For more information, call 0808 169 7030.
Belfast International Airport
- Parking: Accessible spaces are available in all car parks; Long Stay parking requires prior booking.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay car park for free for 30 minutes.
- Contact: To upgrade to a Blue Badge space, call 028 944 84851 or email [email protected].
Cardiff Airport
- Parking: 120 parking spaces are designated for individuals with reduced mobility across Short and Long Stay car parks.
- Assistance: Ramp access and special assistance call points are available.
- Contact: For assistance, call 01446 729329.
Glasgow Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in Car Parks 1 and 2.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders receive 30 minutes of free parking by quoting their badge number upon exit.
- Contact: For more information, call 0141 842 7700.
Edinburgh Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in all car parks except Mid Stay.
- Fees: Blue Badge holders are allowed one hour of free access to any car park, except Mid Stay.
- Contact: For assistance, use the intercoms located near the parking bays.
Birmingham Airport
- Parking: Blue Badge spaces are available in Multi-Storey Car Parks 1,2 and 3, car parks 4, 5 and 7. Car Park 7 is offsite and there is a free, wheelchair-friendly shuttle bus operates between Car Park 7 and the terminal. Blue Badge holders are entitled to 30 minutes of free parking in the Premium Set Down car park.
- Fees: Standard parking rates apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Contact: Assistance Help Points are located near disabled parking bays in Car Parks 1, 2, and the Premium Set Down area. These help points connect directly to the Assisted Travel Host team for any required assistance. For further assistance or inquiries, you can contact the airport’s assistance service at 0121 767 7878 or via email at [email protected]
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl Disabled Discounts, she understands the financial challenges that come with living with a disability as she has MS and ADHD. She is on a mission to help the disabled community save money through discounts on everyday products and services, as well as creating a place to support every individual living with a disability in the UK. You can read her story about why she launched Purpl and her ultimate goal of launching a foundation to give grants to disabled people in the UK.
Are you a Purpl Member?
If you are not a Purpl member, then check out some of the benefits of joining Purpl! Purpl is the UK’s first disabled discount site, we are working with hundreds of brands to get you the best discounts we can. Our aim is to offset the extra costs of life with a disability in the UK, studies from Scope say that on average, disabled people’s costs over £1000 more than a non-disabled person and we don’t think that is OK.
As a disabled led company, we are part of the disabled community and we want to make positive change for us all. Not only through our discounts but also through our advice and support around benefits and other ways disabled people can save money. Our Purpl Life blog also shares real life stories from the disabled community and messages about the brands we work with and how they can help you.
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You can also join our private members group, where we share upcoming opportunities, surveys, competitions and the most up to date discounts and offers, as well as the chance to meet lots of new people in a supportive, kind and welcoming group.
If you are disabled and live in the UK, see if you are eligible to join Purpl today!
Other Related Disability Articles
How to Apply for a Disabled Holiday Grant for Disabled People in the UK
Motability in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Blue Badge Guide – Parking for Disabled People in the UK
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